Our Campus

Welcome to IDEA San Benito

FOUNDED
2008

LOCATION
2151 RUSSELL LN
San Benito, Texas 78586

GRADES SERVED
Pre-K - 12

ENROLLMENT
1662

Campus Leadership

Christina Villarreal

PRINCIPAL, IDEA SAN BENITO ACADEMY

With a career in elementary education spanning nearly two decades, Ms. Christina Villarreal has shown again and again that she knows what it takes to help students reach their highest potential. Having taught 1st – 3rd grades in San Benito...

Janet Crenshaw

PRINCIPAL, IDEA SAN BENITO COLLEGE PREP

As principal of IDEA San Benito College Preparatory, Janet is dedicated to leading a campus where every scholar is on the path to succeed in college and beyond. She believes in setting high expectations for scholars and teachers, where...

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that use open-enrollment policies and innovative curricula to improve student learning for all types of children.

They receive approximately 75% of their funding from state and federal funds compared to traditional public schools, which typically receive 100% of their funding from these sources. The charter school movement has established a new form of accountability for public schools.

In Texas, charter schools operate under the direction of an appointed (not elected) board of directors.

These schools also have more flexibility in personnel decisions and have the abilitiy to offer services that set them apart from traditional public schools, such as a strong focus on college preparation.

Ready to join IDEA?

Christina Villarreal

PRINCIPAL, IDEA SAN BENITO ACADEMY

With a career in elementary education spanning nearly two decades, Ms. Christina Villarreal has shown again and again that she knows what it takes to help students reach their highest potential. Having taught 1st – 3rd grades in San Benito ISD for more than ten years, Christina arrived at IDEA Academy San Benito in the summer of 2012 as a 3rd grade teacher. Since then, she has served as an API, and this year, as a PIR. Christina led her teachers and students to enormous DI gains, the best results in campus history. Christina has been the Dragons’ interim principal for the past few months, and has continuously demonstrated the ability to help guide San Benito to even greater heights.

On the drive to better her students’ futures, Christina said: “Seeing each and every day that a school with high expectations in culture and academics is possible and changing the lives of scholars is what has led me to want to become a principal.”

Janet Crenshaw

PRINCIPAL, IDEA SAN BENITO COLLEGE PREP

As principal of IDEA San Benito College Preparatory, Janet is dedicated to leading a campus where every scholar is on the path to succeed in college and beyond. She believes in setting high expectations for scholars and teachers, where everyone is able to meet their individual goals and continuously grow year after year while feeling challenged, supported, and joyful. She is committed to leading a model school for all schools to show what is possible when you set your goals high and let nothing get in your way.

After graduating from Decatur High School outside of Atlanta, GA, Janet attended Emory University. With a major in Anthropology and a minor in Global Health, Janet studied abroad in Mexico and soon after joined Teach for America in the Rio Grande Valley. She taught 6th grade math for five years at A.P. Solis Middle School in Donna, TX where she served as a department head for four years and help led her scholars and team to have some of the highest results and growth in the district. In addition, she led the development of the 6th grade math curriculum, facilitated professional development for TFA and the district, and mentored several new/student teachers. Seeing the impact her leadership role had on scholars outside of her classroom and the great need to create a school-wide culture dedicated to closing the achievement gap, Janet joined the Columbia University, Teachers College Summer Principals Academy in New Orleans. Shortly after receiving her masters in Educational Leadership, Janet joined IDEA San Benito Academy as the academic counselor to learn more from a system that was just getting it right. Along with the strong academy team, Janet was able to help lead the campus to meet all TEA distinctions and win the most improved school of the year for IDEA. Last year, Janet served as a principal in residence at IDEA San Benito STEM Academy and is excited to continue her journey with our Dragon scholars and families.

Janet lives in Harlingen, just minutes from the airport and you will often catch her hopping a plane to visit family, friends, or Disney World. Janet also enjoys exploring the nature parks here in the valley, attempting to win a Fitbit challenge, and continuing the search for the best Thai food.

Free. Focused on College. For All Children.

It is the policy of IDEA Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.